Raiders

Daily Madden: The Down Side Of A Global NFL

The New England Patriots and St. Louis Rams flew across the pond to play in annual game at Wembley Stadium in London. This game was not even close as the Patriots build up a 28-7 lead by the end of the first half. Tom Brady connected with his tight end Ron Gronkowski for 146 yards and 2TD’s as the Patriots racked up over 350 yards in total offense for the 17th straight game which sets a new NFL record. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

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SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The Oakland Raiders will be one of three teams playing a regular season game in London next year.

“If I were coaching, there’s no way I’d want to do that,” John Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew.

The London game would replace a home game for the Raiders.

“I’d go kicking and screaming on that one,” Madden said, noting it’s not just about the stress of overseas travel for the team. “Maybe it gets the local people in London that can come to the game. But other than that it doesn’t mean anything for fans.”

Madden said he also doesn’t like the NFL’s idea of expanding the number of playoff teams, perhaps as early as 2015.

“I don’t like kind of cheapening the process, and taking a bye week from teams that deserve it,” Madden said.

Under the plan, there would be fewer preseason games.

“They say that the fans hate it. I’ve always said the fans don’t hate preseason, they hate paying regular season prices for preseason.”

Madden said there is value in preseason games.

“Some place we have to develop players. These quarterbacks that are going to have to play in games, they have to play, they have to get reps, they have to get snaps. There’s no place to develop anyone anymore.” (6:55)